History 2004
Course Information

Historical Methods

This course will help prepare students to become better analytical thinkers, writers, and communicators. It focuses on developing skills necessary for historical scholarship, but these skills will be equally useful in other fields of work. In particular, people should be able to use the lessons learned in this course in any activity that requires analysis, judgment, and communication, such as in the business world and in the study and practice of law.

Unlike other history courses, this class resembles a laboratory course in the sciences. Students participate actively in discussions (rather than just listen to lectures), and they make two presentations to the entire class. Written work is extensive, with many formal assignments to be handed in—the first one due on the second
day of class. The course culminates with a research paper (about 8 pages long) that will demonstrate what students have learned in the class.

All students seeking a degree in history must take HIST 2004. (See History Department requirements.) However, other instructors besides Professor Hirsh teach the course, which is offered every semester throughout the academic year.

Richard F. Hirsh

Professor of History of Technology

Dept. of History (0117)

Program in Science & Technology in Society

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)

Blacksburg, VA 24061

Phone: 540-231-5601 Fax: 540-231-8724